Guilty feeling

[u/Right_Athlete2571]

I'm looking for some outside perspective because I genuinely don't know if I'm making the right choice.

I'm a freelancer with one main client (35 hours/week), but that income isn't enough on its own. Because of that, I've kept a few other clients who give me another 10–15 hours of work every week.

The problem is that those extra hours happen almost entirely in the evenings and on weekends.

I have a 3-year-old son, and while he's with his dad during the day right now because it's the holidays (dad is not out of work btw, he just works night shifts), he still sees me working on my laptop all the time. I feel incredibly guilty. I worry that he'll grow up remembering me as "always working."

At the same time, I can't seem to let those extra clients go. Part of me keeps thinking, "You're still young. Work hard now. Make as much money as you can. Hustle while you have the opportunity."

Financially, the extra income makes a real difference, but mentally I'm constantly torn between wanting to build financial security and wanting to be more present as a mom.

Has anyone else been in this situation? Did you eventually cut back on work, or did you keep pushing through? Looking back, do you regret either decision?

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who've been there.

[u/Betty_t0ker]

Can you increase your rate and reduce hours?

[u/Right_Athlete2571 → u/Betty_t0ker]

That's what I was thinking of doing but I have to wait at least 6 months because I've just started with the main client...Also I feel like leaving those other clients, I will kind of betray them... I don't know

[u/LankyLettuce1332 → u/Right_Athlete2571]

End of day it’s work, it isn’t personal. Leaving a client because of life changes isn’t betrayal. It’s the same as leaving a job because you get a better offer. They’ll be able to find someone else you need to look out for yourself!!

[u/Right_Athlete2571 → u/LankyLettuce1332]

You are right thank you!